Mouthwash can be helpful to freshen your breath and cleanse areas your toothbrush can't reach. However, saltwater rinses are generally cheaper and can be equally effective in improving your oral health and hygiene, says Dr. Chris Kammer, DDS, a dental surgeon.
Salt water mouthwash rinses are an excellent short term treatment when you have wounds in the mouth, for instance, when you've had teeth removed. The reason they are so good is that the salt is not only a natural disinfectant, but it also removes any swelling from the tissues.
Gargling with salt water can help keep a person's mouth clean and may alleviate pain and discomfort from sore throats, mouth sores, and dental procedures. Saltwater gargles are quick and easy to make and are a cheap and natural alternative to medicated mouthwashes.
Listerine Total Care: The best all-round mouthwash – if you don't mind the sting. Listerine dominates the mouthwash market, and Total Care is its flagship product. Boldly, it claims to kill up to 97% of germs, while reducing plaque by up to 56% more than brushing alone.
It may cause dry mouth. Regular or excessive use of alcohol-based mouthwashes can dry out your mouth, which can lead to tooth sensitivity, bad breath, and even cavities.
Since bacteria thrive in acidic environments and salt removes water from bacteria via osmosis, swishing with salt water can stop bacterial growth and reduce plaque and inflammation. This reduction in bacteria will reduce your likelihood of getting sick or developing a sore throat, bad breath, cavities, or gum disease.
When you gargle with saltwater, you are submerging the cells and drawing liquids to the surface, along with any virus and bacteria in the throat. When you spit the saltwater out, you'll rid the body of those germs, as well.
Gargling with Salt Water
While salt water may not provide you with immediate relief, it is still an effective remedy for killing bacteria while loosening mucus and easing pain. Simply mix half a teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of warm water and gargle away.
However, you must refrain from doing so and spit it out. If you are using salt water rinses for infections in your mouth, spitting out the rinse is suggested to keep the conditions at bay. Indulging in saltwater rinses multiple times a day or swallowing salt water can lead to dehydration.
Tilt your head back and gargle with the salt water for 10-15 seconds, before spitting it out into a sink. 4. Repeat the gargle process once more to ensure you have washed away as much mucus as possible.
Salt water treatment for gingivitis
The results of a 2016 study showed that using a salt water rinse can be very beneficial in healing gums inflamed by gingivitis. Salt is a natural disinfectant that helps your body to heal itself. Salt water may also: soothe inflamed gums.
Using saltwater creates a sort of osmosis effect and the salt concentration draws fluids from your mouth that are painful, and it also helps to relieve a painful infection. The saltwater breaks up mucus and irritants and all sorts of fungi from the throat.
Respiratory infections: Not only can it treat sore throat symptoms, but a salt water gargle may also help prevent respiratory infections like a cold or the flu. A study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine tracked nearly 400 people during flu season.
They're most often used for sore throats, viral respiratory infections like colds, or sinus infections. They can also help with allergies or other mild issues. Salt water gargles may be effective for both relieving infections and preventing them from getting worse, as well. Making a salt water gargle is quite easy.
But if you find that it soothes the back of your throat, you could go ahead and gargle. And the same is true with mouthwashes like Listerine or Scope if that tends to make you feel better for a little while.
Salt water can help to remove the plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Salt has healing properties that can treat and heal inflamed or swollen gums caused by gum disease. Even though salt water is extremely effective in helping to treat gum disease, salt water cannot cure gum disease.
Use a Salt Water Rinse
It has potential benefits as an antibacterial agent and can help soothe inflamed, sore gums. Rinsing with salt water can also keep bacteria that contribute to gum recession under control. You can do this by mixing some warm water with one or two teaspoons of salt.
“Unfortunately, mouthwash doesn't differentiate and kills all bacteria. As a result, mouthwash can cause harm in the long run because it can disrupt the microbiome and impede the normal functioning of your body.”
Chlorhexidine Mouthwash
Chlorhexidine is an antibacterial used as an active ingredient in certain mouthwash brands. It is a broad spectrum antimicrobial with particular use against bacteria that cause gum disease. Dentists do sometimes employ chlorhexidine mouthwash to treat patients with gum disease.
If you brush your teeth well, twice a day, and floss daily, mouthwash is not strictly necessary. However, most dentists highly recommend adding mouthwash to your morning and evening routine.
You Can Rinse as Often As You Want
The good news is that you can gargle as often as you deem fit. This is one of the reasons why we recommend using saltwater rinse for pain and sore throat relief as it is safe to use consistently.
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, the high alcohol content in some mouthwashes can irritate your mouth, particularly your gums. Saltwater rinses can be safer alternatives while also killing bacteria and keeping your mouth clean.
How Long Should I Rinse with Salt Water for Swollen Gums? You should rinse with salt water between 15-30 seconds, and you're not supposed to swallow it. When you're done, spit the water out and repeat this process at least three times a day.